The concept of Ninja Scroll arose from the director's fascination with ninjas and the idea of them always trying to trick each other.
Not as successful or well-received in Japan as it was in the U.S.
The film is a tribute to the works of Japanese author Fûtarô Yamada, who throughout the sixties wrote many historical novels about ninjas.
Director James McTeigue cited this film as one the influences behind his film Ninja Assassin (2009).
Kagero wears the exact same purple headdress costume that Meiko Kaji wore in the film Lady Snowblood (1973).